Boston Police Department Preparing to Celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary of the Department’s Motorcycle Unit – Celebration set for September 16, 2012
Motorcycle Unit Turns 100!!!
In the year 1912, William Howard Taft – the 27th President of the United States – was in the White House, the Titanic set sail from England, Fenway Park opened its doors for the very first time and the Boston Police Department established one of the country’s very first motorcycle units. While the Berkeley, California Police Department is credited with establishing the first official police motorcycle unit in the United States in the year 1911, the Boston Police Department would soon follow suit. Over the years, hundreds of officers have ridden motorcycles – be they Indian or Harley-Davidson – while patrolling and protecting the streets of Boston. During the unit’s history, tragically, six officers – while assigned to the unit – were killed in the line of duty. In honor and memory of their heroic sacrifices and service to the city and citizenry of Boston, six hero signs have been posted correlating with the locations where these brave officers were killed in the line of duty.
Mayor Tom Menino, Police Commissioner Ed Davis, members of the Mobile Operations Unit (both past and present) will gather at 364 Warren Street in Roxbury to honor and commemorate the sacrifice, service and history of the Motorcycle Unit. Prior to the gathering, officers – while participating in a ‘Ride to Remember’ – will ride past the locations of the six Hero Signs.
Said Commissioner Ed Davis, “When you have a department as rich in history as the Boston Police Department, it is essential to remember, honor and celebrate it. The 100 Year Anniversary of the motorcycle unit is a hugely significant event and I look forward to gathering, thanking and remembering all those officers who dedicated themselves to protecting and serving our city while assigned to the unit.”
The Hero Signs – honoring the following officers – can be viewed at the following locations:
- Patrolman Ward M. Bray killed in the line of duty on April 14, 1921 at intersection of Centre Street & Seaverns Ave in Jamaica Plain
- Patrolman Peter Paul Oginskis killed in line of duty on May 5, 1923 at intersection of Pond Street & Arborway in Jamaica Plain
- Patrolman Herbert D. Allen killed in the line of duty on December 25, 1927 at intersection of Washington Street & Fairbanks Street in Brighton
- Patrolman William L. Abbott killed in the line of duty on November 28, 1931 at the intersection of Riverway & Brookline Ave in the Fenway
- Patrolman Daniel A. McCallum killed in the line of duty on May 12, 1935 in the area of Jamaicaway and Bynner Street in Jamaica Plain
- Patrolman Michael J. Crowley killed in the line of duty on May 12, 1961 in the area of 283 River Street in Mattapan
*** Please note: In the days leading up to the 100 Year Anniversary, the department will be posting photos on its Facebook page – taken over the past 100 years – of the Motorcycle Unit provided courtesy of Department Chronologist Officer Bobby Anthony.
BPD TRIVIA:
BPD TRIVIA
Question: Can you name the celebrity surrounded by Boston Police Officers???
Quick hint: He’d be a good guy to know if you were looking to make a great escape.
Answer: Steve McQueen
Boston Police Arrest Suspect Wanted in Connection with Death Investigation in the area of 65 Warren Street
About two weeks ago, on Wednesday, August 15, 2012, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a call for a person stabbed in the area of 65 Warren Street. On arrival, officers located a male victim suffering from what appeared to be multiple stab wounds. The victim, a male in his twenties, was transported to the Boston Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased. The victim has since been identified as Rashad Lesley-Barnes, 24, of Dorchester.
As the result of information received and interviews conducted during the course of the ongoing investigation, detectives identified the suspect responsible for Lesley-Barnes murder.. The evidence collected and tips received lead them to the suspect, Jahvon Goodwin, 21, of Boston.
This morning, Wednesday, August 29, 2012, officers arrested and charged Jahvon Goodwin, 21, of Boston with Murder.
Goodwin is expected to be arraigned today at Roxbury District Court.
Special thanks to the Boston Police Homicide Unit, Boston Police Fugitive Apprehension Team, the Boston Police Latent Print Unit, the Boston Police Neighborhood Drug Control Unit, the Boston Regional Intelligence Center, the detectives and officers assigned to District B-2 (Roxbury), District Attorney Dan Conley’s Office and the MBTA for the hard work and dedication to bring this case to a close.
Commissioner Davis also thanks members of the community for coming forward with tips and information which helped make the difference in this case.
Traffic & Parking Advisory: Relative to College Move in Weekend August 31-September 4, 2012
Traffic & Parking Advisory: Relative to College Move in Weekend August 31-September 4, 2012 Residents should expect congestion and delays in the areas of Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Back Bay, Mission Hill and Beacon Hill as 70,000 college students will be moving in these neighborhoods.
Thousands Enjoy the 2012 Caribbean Festival & Parades
The Boston Police Department is proud and pleased to announce that this year’s Caribbean Festival was conducted in a successful manner. Thousands attended and enjoyed this year’s festival and parade.
The Boston Police Department made just three arrests and alert officers assisted in the safe return of several lost children
Prior to this year’s event, the Boston Police, in collaboration with several other agencies, worked diligently to draw up and implement a proactive plan with preventative measures designed to ensure a safe and trouble free environment for all those attending this year’s festival. Among the measures implemented, Boston Police made a concerted effort to identify and locate specific individuals intent on disrupting this year’s event.
Moreover, Operation PAWS, a citywide warrant program conducted to combat and prevent gang violence, was employed the week leading up to this year’s festival. As a result of Operation PAWS, and other proactive measures, Boston Police arrested more than a dozen individuals. In addition to the above, numerous intelligence gathering efforts, information analysis and video surveillance provided essential aid and support to all officers assigned to the festival.
The Boston Police Department would like to thank the following agencies for their help and assistance in achieving the desired goal:
• Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services
• Boston EMS
• Boston Fire Department
• Probation Department
• Massachusetts State Police
• MBTA Transit Police
• Department of Conservation & Recreation
• Boston Police Youth Violence Strike Force
• Boston Police Fugitive Apprehension Team
• United States Marshals
• Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley
• Department of Youth Services
• Boston Transportation Department
• Boston Public Works
• Inspectional Services
• Boston Regional Intelligence Center
• All uniformed Boston Police Officers assigned to the Parade Route
CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL INCIDENTS:
Dangerous Bottle Throwing Lands One Man in Custody
At about 6:30pm, on Saturday, August 25, 2012, officers assigned to a fixed post for the Caribbean Festival at Blue Hill Avenue and Nazing Street, were approached by a belligerent male. Officers asked the man to move along, he refused and threw a bottle of water at the officers.
As police escorted the man from the area he became more disorderly and caused a crowd to gather. The man was subsequently placed under arrested and transported to District B-2 (Roxbury) for booking.
While at booking area, the man became combative and violent. After a brief struggle, Fredrick Barros, 28, of Roxbury, was placed under arrest for Disorderly Conduct.
Two Males Arrested for Assault and Battery on a Police Officer After the Caribbean Parade
At about 6:48pm, on August 25, 2012, officers assigned on tactical mountain bikes, were conducting crowd control at the intersection of Blue Hill Avenue and Columbia Rd for the Caribbean Festival Parade.
Officers were directing parade attendees and participants away from the center of the street toward the sidewalks.
A teenage male attempted to bypass officers and continue to walk down the street. Officers directed the teen towards the sidewalk. The teen refused to comply and continued toward the officers slapping away an officer’s hand, who was directing him towards the sidewalk.
While officers were attempting to place the teenager under arrest, another male teenager tried to prevent officers from making the arrest.
The males, both 15, of Roxbury and Dorchester, were arrested for Assault and Battery on a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest.
TRAFFIC ALERT: City of Boston Traffic Advisory for Saturday, August 25, 2012 Caribbean Carnival and Parades. Follow Boston_Police on Twitter for Parade Updates – Hashtag #CaribbeanFest
The annual Caribbean Carnival will be held in Boston’s Franklin Park on Saturday, August 25, 2012. Several streets will be closed to vehicular traffic. Parking restrictions will be implemented. Attendees are advised to use the MBTA.
At 1:00 PM, the Caribbean Carnival Parade will begin on Warren Street at Martin Luther King Boulevard. It will travel on Warren Street to Blue Hill Avenue ending on Blue Hill Avenue at the Circuit Drive Entrance (Peabody Circle) for Franklin Park.
To accommodate the festivities, Blue Hill Avenue, from American Legion Highway to Warren Street, and Warren Street, from Dudley Street to Blue Hill Avenue, will be closed to vehicular traffic throughout the day.
In addition, temporary “Tow Zone, No Stopping, Saturday” signs will be posted at the following locations.
• American Legion Highway, median island, for both directions of travel, from Blue Hill Avenue to Canterbury Street
• Blue Hill Avenue, east side (inbound side), from Morton Street to American Legion Highway, and both sides, from American Legion Highway to Warren Street
• Dale Street, both sides, from Walnut Avenue to the driveways near and opposite #56 Dale Street, and both sides, from Sherman Street to Warren Street
• Columbia Road, both sides, from Blue Hill Avenue to Seaver Street
• Glenway Street, both sides, from Blue Hill Avenue to Old Road
• Martin Luther King Boulevard, both sides, from Warren Street to Washington Street
• Old Road, both sides, from Glenway Street to Columbia Road
• Seaver Street, both sides, from Blue Hill Avenue to a point 300 feet westerly, at approximately #280
• Warren Street, both sides, from Martin Luther King Boulevard to Blue Hill Avenue
• Circuit Drive, both sides, from Blue Hill Avenue to Morton Street
• Walnut Avenue, southeast (Franklin Park) side, from Seaver Street to Sigourney Street
• Sigourney Street, southeast (Franklin Park) side, from Walnut Avenue to Glen Road
Families Coping with the Loss of a Murdered Loved One Gather at Boston Police Headquarters
Friday, August 24, 2012
On Friday, August 24, 2012, Commissioner Ed Davis and members of the Boston Police Homicide Unit sat down with and welcomed families dealing with the loss of a loved one to an outdoor BBQ at Boston Police Headquarters. Losing a loved one to homicide is one of the most tragic events families will ever experience. Too often, homicide survivors are left in the dark as they struggle to understand and cope with untimely loss of a loved one. During these stressful and confusing times, survivors want answers and help. More often than not, survivors lack the energy and mental clarity to seek out and embrace the resources and services they need. To help survivors negotiate these terrifyingly challenging times, the Boston Police Department Homicide Unit provides a Victim-Witness Service component designed to advocate for surviving families during their stages of grief and beyond recovery.
The Homicide Victim Witness Resource Officer makes certain that positive communication between detectives and survivors is active and consistent. The Victim Witness Resource Officer provides help and guidance through such things as funeral and burial resources, counseling and trauma services. Officers also work in conjunction with the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office to provide a better understanding of the procedures in the criminal justice system.
If you are interested in resources that may be available to you, please feel free to contact Victim Witness Resource Officers: Marivelle Crespo at (617) 343-5543 or Annie M. Cox at (617) 343-6512 they work closely with investigators as well as advocate for survivors.
If you’re headed to the Caribbean Festival – please be sure to celebrate responsibly:
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR:
Caribbean Day festivities are an exciting time for the City of Boston and we would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to celebrate responsibly so that all in attendance can enjoy a safe and family-friendly environment. Throughout the weekend, the Boston Police Department will be taking steps to increase patrols in areas in and around the parade route. Our priority – as it always is – is to ensure the safety of all who attend. As such, we encourage people to celebrate responsibly and smartly while strictly adhering to all alcohol laws. It is our hope that residents and guests alike will enjoy themselves this Caribbean Festival Day. With that goal in mind – we’ve been working closely with members of the Roxbury/Dorchester community to create and provide an atmosphere and event that is designed for families. We applaud the many parade-goers who always act responsibly and respect their surroundings. We also commend the hundreds of officers who report for duty committed to ensuring your safety in a professional, courteous and respectful manner. Again, we look forward to the festivities and – just as importantly – making sure all who attend enjoy the day.
Enjoy the parade and be safe!
Sincerely,
Mayor Thomas M. Menino & Police Commissioner Edward Davis
WHAT THE BPD EXPECTS FROM YOU:
- Enjoy the parade and be considerate of fellow parade-goers.
- Understand that any form of public drinking will not be tolerated.
- Refrain from any participation in negative behavior such as fighting, swearing, throwing beverages or destroying property.
- Respect police instructions and, if asked to leave an area, please do so peacefully.
- Be aware that parking along the parade route will be limited. As such, community members are reminded to be extra mindful of street signs and parking restrictions.
- If you are hosting a party along the parade route, be forewarned that you are responsible for your guests and their behavior.
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT OF THE BPD:
- BPD will significantly increase patrols in and around the Roxbury/Dorchester area.
- Officers are working cooperatively with liquor establishments to be sure alcohol laws are strictly enforced and adhered to.
- DUI enforcement will be a priority and we will have officers on duty focused specifically on this effort. Taxis and public transportation offer inexpensive and smart alternatives to drinking and driving. Please take advantage of them. A designated driver is also an alternative.
- Officers will conduct themselves in a professional, respectful and proportional manner.
- Boston Police will utilize both overt and covert video technology to identify individuals that are engaging in problem behavior.
CITYWIDE PARTY LINE:
Residents are encouraged to use the Boston Police ‘Party Line’ to report concerns over a loud gathering and/or individuals demonstrating disruptive behavior in your neighborhood. Residents should contact 617-343-5500 or call 617-343-4911 from your cell phone.
If there is an emergency, please dial 911.
KNOW THE LAWS:
Public Drinking
No person shall drink any alcoholic beverage while on, in or upon any public way or in any place to which members of the public have access.
City Ordinance 16-12.28: Drinking alcohol in public/keeping open containers is barred;
City Ordinance 16-32.2: Violation of the above ordinance punishable by fines up to $200;
Violation of these city ordinances is an arrestable offense under M.G.L. c. 272, §59.
Keeper of a Disorderly House
Keepers of noisy and disorderly houses, idle and disorderly persons, disturbers of the peace, and persons guilty of indecent exposure may be punished by up to 6 months in jail, by a fine of up to $200, or both. M.G.L. c. 272, §53. Under M.G.L. c. 272, §54, violation of the above section is an arrestable offense.
Alcohol to a Minor
It is unlawful for anyone, including minors, to provide alcohol to any individual under age 21. M.G.L. c. 138, §34. A violation of this law is punishable by a fine of up to $2000 or up to 1 year in prison, or both. M.G.L. c. 138, §56 makes a violation of §34 an arrestable offense.
Disturbing the Peace
Prohibits any person from committing intentional actions or conduct, in or near a public place that most people would find to be unreasonably disruptive and, in fact, infringe the right of at least one person to be undisturbed. Any person found disturbing the peace is subject to arrest and a penalty of up to 6 months in the house of corrections or a fine of up to $200.00.
Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is defined as a person, who with the purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof:
- Engages in fighting or threatening, or in a violent or tumultuous behavior; or
- Creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor.
Any person engaging in disorderly conduct is subject to arrest and a penalty of up to 6 months in the house of corrections or a fine of up to $200.